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Lexington Rescue Mission Fails To Win Special Permit

A group that provides aid and opportunities for those experiencing homelessness has been denied a permit to expand into an East Fourth Street property.

Advocates for Lexington Rescue Mission had agreed to scale back their intended uses for the proposed community center after meeting with opposition from neighbors, promising not to offer meals or hold outdoor worship services.

But the concessions were not enough to convince critics the mission center location is a good fit.

Richard Getty, who represents the Martin Luther King, Jr. neighborhood association, said there's pushback "not because of anything the rescue mission does, but because of the impacts already on these areas and what we expect will continue or be exacerbated by another facility placed at 203 Fourth Street."

Concerned neighbors argued the project would add to an already oversaturated area when it comes to social service agencies — ones some residents say have failed to address problems like drug use, theft, and loitering.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the Board of Adjustment ultimately voted 4 to 2 to deny the mission's request for a special use permit.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.